The Benefits of American Patches

By Jean-François Tatard – Photos: JF Tatard / DR

Whether cycling or running, it is not uncommon to suffer from a stiff neck or lumbago. To suffer from back pain when occasionally mountain biking or venturing for the first time on the cobbled roads of Paris-Roubaix. Or after an exceptionally long ride or after holding an inappropriate and uncomfortable position. To suffer from a general state of fatigue that creates a favorable environment for back muscle contraction. In short, situations of back pain or joint stiffness are ultimately very numerous. Not to mention that in winter, conditions like osteoarthritis and rheumatism are exacerbated by cold and humidity, causing discomfort and disability. Because they are compact, it is therefore better to have pain relief patches in your sports bag, as their action lasts for several hours. These patches diffuse heat durably. They also contain an anti-inflammatory molecule. They are called American plasters. They stick to the skin and last for several hours.

When to use heating plasters?

Like cold, heat has also long been used to relieve muscle, tendon, or joint pain. Heat dilates blood vessels, which improves blood circulation, promotes tissue oxygenation, and facilitates the elimination of toxins. But heat also has another effect: it is analgesic and particularly relaxing.

Heating patches, or American plasters, can also be recommended by a physiotherapist during the convalescence period after a bad fall. The heating effect relieves and reminds the body of its current weaknesses. This helps to avoid adopting a bad posture to compensate for the discomfort caused by the pain, and to compensate in other ways.

A beneficial composition

Most often, these plasters simply contain iron and charcoal. They can also use capsicum, from the chili pepper family, which provides a heating action, and soothing and analgesic clove oil. These components cause the sensation of heat upon contact with air. However, the effect is not immediate. What is observed is that it takes at least half an hour to feel the heat. On the other hand, it lasts for several hours. Some patches provide heat for more than 24 hours. Nevertheless, care must be taken not to use them in all cases. Indeed, these heating devices are not recommended for people suffering from venous insufficiency and heart conditions.

Patches with a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) help limit inflammation and relieve pain. And their action is continuous for at least 8 hours. They can thus be placed on the painful area when disabling pain is felt. In case of muscle soreness or noticeable stiffness. But also in case of sprain, tendinitis, or acute osteoarthritis.

How to use them?

There are some precautions for use… Indeed, sometimes, very effective adhesives can induce skin reactions in some people. Because a good American plaster sticks perfectly to the skin, even conforming to its folds. It is for single use only, it cannot be reused. There can also be, in some rare cases, undesirable effects. So, it must be applied to clean skin. No perfume or deodorant on the same application area. Otherwise, you risk a burn. Also be careful if you use an American plaster on a large hairy area. When removing your plaster, you might get a good waxing at the same time…

A priori, it is not recommended to cut an American plaster, even if at 3bikes we have already tried it and the benefits are still there. You must also ensure that there is no risk of interference with other medications you might be taking concurrently. It is best to ask for advice at a pharmacy about good and bad combinations. But in all cases, the objective of the patch is to relieve pain and restore normal mobility.

The different patches identified by 3Bikes

We have thus selected 4 heating patches for our readers that seem to work well…

PURE ESSENTIEL ARTICULATIONS PATCHS CHAUFFANTS (Puressentiel), approximately €13 for a box of 3 patches measuring 16 x 11 cm.
VOLTACARE PATCH CHAUFFANT (Novartis), €8 for a box of 2 patches measuring 13.5 x 10 cm.
SAINT-BERNARD PATCHS CHAUFFANTS (Merck Médication familiale), €8.60 for 4 patches.
FLECTOR TISSUGEL EP 1 % (Laboratoires Genévrier), €14 for a box of 5 medicated plasters.